Brand New Distributor A24 Picks Up Fest Fave 'The Spectacular Now'

This is the news I've been waiting all weekend for - hooray! One of my very favorite films of the festival, The Spectacular Now (read my glowing review here) directed by James Ponsoldt of last year's Smashed, has been acquired. While we were ultimately hoping for Fox Searchlight, the news is that brand new upstart distributor A24 Films has picked up the film for US distribution and will release it this summer. Great news! Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, two breakout actors, star in the film. It's one of my favorites of the festival (as well as Peter Sciretta of SlashFilm) and one that I can't wait for everyone to be able to see.

From the press release: "We fell in love with this film the minute that we watched it and we know the rest of the country will embrace this timeless love story. James has directed a wonderful film that depicts young love with complete authenticity and has two young stars giving incredible performances with Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley," said A24. Producer Andrew Lauren says, "I am so thrilled that the film has found a home with a company that has such passion for it. It’s been an amazing Sundance and we are so gratified by the incredibly warm response here." Since its premiere on Friday, the buzz for it has been through the roof.

A24 seems to be focusing on a younger demographic. The distributor, launched just last year, is a brand new New York City-based company. Their 2013 line-up already includes: Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers (watch the trailer), Roman Coppola's A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, Sally Potter's Ginger & Rosa and Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring. I'm quite fond the films they're releasing, I just hope they can market them properly and give them the kind of release they deserve. The Spectacular Now is a spectacular film that deserves to get out there in a big way. We'll keep you updated on any other release news from here.